Ordinary 16C

Lord, you gather us into your dwelling
and lift us up into your holy presence.
Make us worthy of you
and teach us always to do what is right,
as we pray for your people.

We pray for our friends and neighbors,
who are near to us
physically and in our affections.
We pray especially for those we have named before you…

We pray too for our enemies,
whose behavior we reject,
with whom you call us to be reconciled.
Give us grace to repent of our sins against others;
fortitude to keep our promise even when it hurts;
generosity to create abundance through sharing with those in need.

Keep us from stumbling as we follow in your way,
we pray in Jesus’ name, saying together:

All: You walk among us, O Lord, hoping we will see your face in the crowd. We confess that most of the time, we are not looking. And when we do look, we are afraid of what we see. We close our ears and laugh it off when you call our names. When we are too wrapped up in our own concerns to recognize you, forgive us. When we are too certain, and there is no room for your mystery, forgive us. When we have locked our doors, our minds, and our hearts, forgive us. Show us your face again, living God. Teach us to see, and to welcome you in. Amen. ~silence~

Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, The Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL